Lisa Beers
Vice President, Public Relations
Waterford Hotel Group
(860) 442-4559
lbeers@waterfordgroup.net
WATERFORD HOTEL GROUP JOINS FORCES WITH THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Forming the Waterford Institute for the Advanced Management of Hospitality Operations
WATERFORD, CT (February 7, 2006) --- Furthering its commitment to career development for all associates, Waterford Hotel Group has partnered with Penn State University to form a Leadership Development Institute. The certificate series, known as The Waterford Institute for the Advanced Management of Hospitality Operations, is designed for managers desiring to improve their effectiveness as they move into the management of increasingly complex operations. The development series will be offered to managers employed at hotels professionally operated by Waterford Hotel Group. Waterford will also offer the training to managers at their corporate headquarters.
“Our associates are our greatest asset and investing in their future through career development is one of our top priorities,” stated Len Wolman, chairman and CEO for Waterford Hotel Group. “Penn State’s hospitality management program is among the best in the country. We are honored to have the opportunity to form a corporate/university partnership that pulls on the vast resources and extensive experience of such a highly-acclaimed university,” added Wolman.
The institute is delivered in three, 2-day modules during which participants develop practical skills in core competency areas they have identified as key to their development with respect to the successful leadership of others including communication, leadership and coaching, human performance management, customer focus, continuous improvement, and financial management. Penn State faculty members develop and deliver the learning modules while working closely with Waterford’s senior management to link the academic contact to Waterford’s mission and best practices.
Waterford’s first class of 30 participants recently completed the first of three modules. Upon successful completion of each 2-day program, participants receive a Penn State Certificate of Completion and earn 1 CEU (Continuing Education Unit) for every 10 hours of instruction. Upon program completion by this class, Waterford plans to select a new class of participants. Bart Bartlett, of the Penn State faculty, says “For me, the opportunity to work with industry practitioners is a very positive two-way street; as I facilitate and help managers to think about ways they can manage their hotels more effectively, I am learning about current practice, and hearing anecdotes and examples that I can take back to my undergraduate classroom. We see the Waterford-Penn State relationship to be mutually beneficial, and are delighted to be involved in the Waterford Institute.”
About Penn State University
The School of Hospitality Management at Penn State founded in 1937, has an enrollment of over 800 students in undergraduate and graduate programs and over 30 faculty members. The School’s Center for Professional Development and Applied Research in Hospitality, has a world-wide reputation as a leader in the collection, analysis and dissemination of knowledge regarding the Hospitality industry. CPDARH’s personnel are faculty members of the School of Hospitality Management. “This faculty is required to have at least 10 years of industry experience, which helps to guarantee that the programs delivered to industry are both academically sound and focused on practical applications,” says Ruth Ann Jackson, Center Director. “The Center looks to select industry partners who share the same strategic vision, which is to support the professional and personal growth of those individuals who will become the next generation of leaders in the hospitality industry.”
About Waterford Hotel Group
Waterford Hotel Group, Inc. is a national hotel management firm currently operating 29 properties in 9 states. The company also operates the Connecticut Convention Center through its affiliate, Waterford Venue Services. With corporate offices in Waterford, CT, Waterford Hotel Group is one of the most successful management companies in the hospitality industry. The company’s nationwide roster of properties consistently achieves exceptional market share and returns well above industry averages. This outstanding record of accomplishment is based on strategic growth, intimate knowledge of industry trends, and providing value for customers and investors.
For further information, contact Waterford Hotel Group, Inc., 914 Hartford Turnpike, P.O. Box 715, Waterford, CT 06385; telephone 860-442-4559, fax 860-437-7752, or visit the company's website at www.waterfordgroup.net.